Matt Riddle Reveals Why He Was Really at Hulk Hogan’s Funeral—And It Wasn’t for Hogan

Matt Riddle was spotted at Hulk Hogan’s private funeral in Largo, Florida last month, and now he’s setting the record straight on how he ended up there. While the service included WWE royalty like Vince McMahon, Triple H, and Stephanie McMahon, Riddle admitted his presence had nothing to do with a close personal bond with Hogan.

During a new interview on TMZ Inside the Ring, Riddle broke down exactly why he showed up, and his answer may surprise some fans.

“Well, funny story. My relationship with Hogan was very brief, you know. I’ll say this—guys from his era, same thing with Ric Flair, they really respect a man like myself because I fought in the UFC, I was a state and national champion, I mean, I beat Jon Jones wrestling. Like I have a pedigree and it’s real. It’s not something that was given to me. It’s not dumb luck. I earned it.”

Riddle explained that his connection to Hogan came entirely through his fiancée Misha’s friendship with Nick Hogan’s wife, Tana.

“I was at Nick Hogan’s wedding. I don’t know Nick or Tay, but my girlfriend knows Nick’s now wife, Tana. So actually, Misha was invited to the wedding and Misha was invited to the funeral. I was her plus one. So technically I wasn’t really invited, but my better half was.”

He also addressed how others at the funeral reacted to him being there, and made it clear he wasn’t looking for a moment with WWE execs.

“Everybody was excited to see me… And there’s—you know, all of us, we’ve all brushed shoulders in the locker room. They all know who I am, I know who they all are. I mean, Rob Van Dam was there. A plethora of people I hang out, chill with, and respect were there. And yeah, so that’s how I got the invite. It wasn’t through me. It wasn’t because me and Terry have such a great relationship. It was more so my soon-to-be wife and Nick Hogan’s current wife have a great relationship and we were invited.”

He said there was no attempt to rub elbows with Vince McMahon or Triple H but did share he had a quick sarcastic moment with Shane McMahon.

While Hulk Hogan’s funeral drew legends from across wrestling’s past, Matt Riddle’s attendance turned out to be less of a WWE reunion and more of a date night with unexpected company.

What do you think about Riddle showing up to the funeral as a plus-one? Do you think his explanation is fair—or should he have stayed home? Drop your take in the comments.

Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication.